To evaluate accuracy of life-sized flexible aortic aneurysm model created by laser stereolithography using multidetector-row CT data, and to evaluate its clinical usefulness for endovascular stent-grafting.

An imaginary aortic wall was created from the CT images of the aorta, and a hollow replica was produced from silicone resin by laser stereolithography(fig.1,fig.2).1.The accuracy of the model was evaluated in four cases of thoracic aortic aneurysm by CT scanning and measurement software on a workstation(fig.3). The results of measurement for diameter and length on various portions (sixteen measurements per case,fig.4) were compared with those of the original clinical CT data.2.For the simulation of treatment, different types of stent-graft were inserted and deployed in...

1.There was a significant correlation in the measurements between the original CT data and aneurysm models (R=0.999,fig.1). The mean difference in measurements between the original data and those in the models was 0.4mm.2.Pre-operative simulation was useful in selecting the stent-graft device for better conformability at the landing zones, and also useful for the guidewire in selecting the stiffness and pre-shaping for trackability. It was especially effective in distal- arch aneurysms with complicated morphology, e.g. with short and sharply curved neck.

The accuracy of an aortic aneurysm model using 3D-CT data created by the present technique is satisfactory. This method is very useful for planning and simulating endovascular stent-grafting of aneurysms with complicated morphology.

1.Kato K et al.Accuracy of Plastic Replica of Aortic Aneurysm Using 3D-CTData for Transluminal Stent-Grafting: Experimental andClinical Evaluation.Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography25(2):300–3042.Sulaiman A et al.In vitro non-rigid life-size model of aortic arch aneurysm forendovascular prosthesis assessment.European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 33 (2008) 53—57